Guest column: Local bikers turn out for the Spring Fling in Lawrence

It was finally beautiful weather (mostly) for the Spring Fling Criterium in Lawrence. Not surprisingly, this was the biggest turn out of riders so far this season.

Brendan SheehanSante Fe Trails Bicycle Shop

It was finally beautiful weather (mostly) for the Spring Fling Criterium in Lawrence. Not surprisingly, this was the biggest turn out of riders so far this season. We started the race with the Men's Masters Category. Due to the recent rainfall some debris had washed onto the course and several riders received flat tires in turn 3. Mark Ramsden and Art Mathisen remained in the field. Art attacked the field several times taking a sprint. Towards the end of the race he attacked the field and no one chased. Art won a prime sprint and the finishing sprint. Mark finished with the leaders.In the ladies category, 4 Anita Gonzalez and Melissa Holstead raced. Melissa was racing on a loaner wheelset - Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLs. Missy had an average speed over two miles faster than previous races. She was very aggressive in the corners as well. Next were the juniors, 10 to 12-years old. John Finnegan and Francis Sheehan raced for us. John led the field most of the race, but Francis waited until the last straight away to sprint and win. Santa Fe Trails swept the series: first place, John Finnegan; second place, Abby Olsen; third place, Francis Sheehan.Next was the 4/5 men. Again, we had more riders, and again the pace was faster. Erica Haas rode for our team as well as Adam Wilcoxon, Armando Peralta and Brendan Sheehan. Erica Haas turned around and raced the ladies category 3/4 race. She attacked early and often, taking third overall. John Finnegan and Francis Sheehan raced again in the juniors 12-18. They raced hard.Finally, the last race of the day was the men's category five. It was faster and more crowded. James Lee, Matt Doolan, Adam Wilcoxon, Gene Lamb, and John Pauley all raced. No one placed. Jim Lee took fifth in the series overall. We are looking forward to our next races: Thursday evening on April 11 is the Power Flite 10 KM Time Trial in Gardner, Kansas. Sunday, April 14 is the Bazaar Road Race near Emporia, KS.

Sister Publications

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
The Leavenworth Times - Leavenworth, KS ~ 422 Seneca St., Leavenworth, KS 66048 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service